Seasons in life are so fleeting. It is remarkable how much can change in an incredibly short period of time. That’s one of the reasons it’s so important to relish each moment, to utilize each opportunity to glorify Him, and to be content through each season in which He brings us.

I’ve been asked to start a blog on several occasions, but resisted this request for various reasons; the biggest being a distinct lack of time. However, I have been convinced that the blogo-method of communicating may actually be a better use of my time than attempting to email different folks individually.

While I have a desire to encourage women in their roles, single or married, I often find myself unable to work things out logistically, since I am still in the season of motherhood where young ones require such constant attention. You see, although my oldest daughter is married, my youngest son is still in diapers!

All ten of my children are in various stages of growth and maturity and this does offer me the ability to teach and encourage others, which someone lacking the assistance of older children in the home wouldn’t have. Different seasons of the family offer different limitations and abilities.

Another reason I’ve resisted setting up a blog is because of my very real lack of technological skills. However, since my children have surpassed me in this department by miles, not yards, and they are willing and actually excited to help me get this started, here I am. Thanks girls!

Some of you know our family has recently moved to Illinois from Texas. We are enjoying our new life in the country (however cold!) and are looking forward to gardening, enjoying the outdoors (too hot in Texas), the birds, the trees (yes, we have trees in Illinois!) and the general quietness of our surroundings. My husband is pastoring Providence Church in Peoria and we have absolutely fallen head over heels in love with the families here! God has been so gracious to us. We are humbled and awed by His faithfulness, even in our weakness and stubbornness.

Those of you who know us also know the busy life we lived in Texas. Books on the Path Online, Homeschooling Today magazine, Lords and Ladies Tea Room, Family Reformation Ministries, speaking, traveling to homeschool conferences, writing, publishing.

Our new goal is to simplify life with the deliberate intent of providing more time to minister to our children and the rest of God’s people. Sometimes ministries can start out with such a bang that in the end one finds that there’s very little actual time left to minister to others.

Our specific focus will be on renewing our own family life, ministering to our church family, and reviving Family Reformation Ministries. We are also anticipating getting a few more books out – books that were started and never finished.

We are excited by what God is doing and grateful for your prayers. Many of you have truly been an encouragement in the midst of the life-storms of the past few years. Thank you for your graciousness, your patience, and your prayers. We love you and hope to spend many more years serving you.

I didn’t realize your family lived in Peoria! My husband and I have friends there that we visit often. In fact, we’re going there this weekend for a wedding. The church that they attend is a mega-church. We are not impressed with it and are actually seeking a more solid church to go to when we visit. Could you tell us more about your church? Where is it in Peoria?

My husband pastors Providence Church in Peoria (though we don’t actually live in the city). We are currently meeting in the Samaritan Ministries building at 2400 W Altorfer Drive Peoria, IL 61615 (309-389-3316). Our service starts at 10:30 a.m. every Lord’s Day and we have a fellowship meal directly afterward. We would love to have you visit!